Frank Moraga
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Arizonans approve 77% of school bond, override elections. See related news here
Arizona voters approved 77 percent of school bond and override elections on the 2018 midterm election ballot, said Randie Stein, director of the public finance team at Stifel Nicolaus in Phoenix.
Bonds and overrides are voter approved community support for schools generated by local property taxes. They are for a specific period of time and purpose.
But just 28 percent of Arizona’s students attend school in districts where the community reliably passes bond and override elections, said Dr. Anabel Aportela, research director for Arizona Association of School Business Officials and Arizona School Boards Association.
Ariz. woman inspired to run for office after watching DeVos hearing wins state superintendent race. See related news here
An Arizona woman who says she was motivated to run for office after watching Education Secretary Betsy DeVos struggle during her confirmation hearing has been elected the state’s highest education official.
Kathy Hoffman, 31, became Arizona’s first Democratic superintendent of public instruction in more than 25 years, according to The Washington Post. Before running for office, Hoffman was a speech therapist in a suburban Phoenix public school district.
Arizona youth aging out of foster care missing out on services
Numerous services are available to young people aging out of foster care in Arizona, but only a fraction of the intended recipients are taking advantage.
A new brief from the Annie E. Casey Foundation finds only 25 percent of youth who aged out of foster care take advantage of services offered such as money to cover housing and college tuition.
Other services available include being connected to a case work. They can also get help enrolling in college, applying for a job, getting a state ID and opening a bank account.
FTF partners with Arizona tribes to meet the needs of young children
Candida Hunter drives thousands of miles every month in her role as Senior Director for Tribal Affairs for First Things First.
Her work takes her across Arizona, sometimes spanning distances from Navajo Nation in the northeast corner to the far southwest corner where the Cocopah Tribe is located or to the southern border of Arizona to meet with Tohono O’odham Nation or Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
Hunter serves as a link between tribal governments and staff, Indian organizations, the general public and FTF staff.
Thomas Students Build a ‘School’ of Rocks
Students at Thomas Elementary School in Flagstaff created a new rock garden on the school grounds recently. The garden of brightly painted rocks represents a school of beautiful fish who are even more beautiful together. The garden was inspired by the book “Only One You” by Linda Kranz.
NAU’s Senior Corps looking for volunteers to help in the classroom. See related news here
Are you 55 or better and interested in serving your community? NAU’s Senior Corps programs are looking for new volunteers to serve in classrooms or with other older adults who need a little help.
Qualified applicants will earn a stipend for their service.
CASA Volunteers Making a Difference in Child Abuse
Have you ever read a horrific story of child abuse and wondered what to do? Instead of passive despair, let the tragic incident serve as a galvanizing call to action for us all to commit to ending abuse and securing the safety and future of every child in Coconino County. We can make a difference when we all become advocates for children.
FUSD finalizing plans for prop funding. See more education news here
With last week’s approval of Propositions 423 and 424, providing a $75 million bond and 15 percent property tax renewal, Flagstaff Unified School District will prioritize its plans before moving forward with the projects authorized by this newfound funding.
SOCSD discusses high student achievement goals, first budget revision of the year
The Sedona-Oak Creek School District Governing Board opened its Tuesday, Nov. 13, meeting with Board Vice President Heather Hermen and Superintendent Dennis Dearden giving plaudits to individuals who, in their view, were instrumental in the campaign for the continuation of Proposition 447, the SOCSD Budget Increase Override, which passed comfortably on Nov. 6.
Photo highlights: Kaibab Learning Center holds annual Western Night
Kaibab Learning Center held its annual Western Night auction and fundraiser at Big E’s Steakhouse and Saloon Nov. 2. All proceeds from the event go toward’s the center’s operating expenses.
